Superman is one of the most beloved superheroes there is and after the failure of Superman Returns in 2006 it couldn’t take that long before the franchise would be rebooted again. Man of Steel is that reboot and it is directed by Zach Snyder (300, Sucker Punch, Watchmen). After the success of the Batman trilogy the writing team of Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer would pen down the script. The result is Man of Steel, which just like Batman Begins tells the origin story of the superhero again.
If you know the story of Superman (and most of us will) you exactly know what you can expect. As a baby Superman is sent to earth because the planet Krypton is on the brink of destruction. There he starts searching for his own identity. But of course you watch this movie to see how that’s story has been brought to the screen. Man of Steel doesn’t tell the story in a chronological way and introduces Clark Kent as an “Alaskan fisherman”. It doesn’t take long however before the action starts and during a spectacular actionscene you already see part of Superman’s powers. These type of movies need a villain and here it is General Zod (Michael Shannon) who is introduced through a flashback as a ruthless man who want to save Krypton his way. Superman’s father (Russell Crowe) fights him and puts a codex in his son’s spaceship which Zod wants to get his hands on.
Man of Steel is mainly an action movie, mixed with a little bit of drama. Henry Cavill is good in his role as the man of steel and has the proper build to breathe life into the character. Superman’s big love, Lois Lane, is played by Amy Adams who doesn’t spend enough time on screen with him to make for a convincing love interest. The movie is a bit long (143 minutes). Because of the non stop action (which slowly becomes a bit too much) you start to feel that length. A big fight at the end of the movie strongly reminded me of the final Matrix movie. Man of Steel was entertaining though, but it missed the emotional charge to be really memorable.
I definitely agree with the action becoming a bit too much. I was also left with a where do they go from here feeling. You establish the character as being so powerful, who do you bring in next to fight him.
Good review.
Yeah, it started to get desensitizing after a while. With such a powerful character it is hard to think of interesting fights
Moments of awe spoilt by too much CGI and an elongated final act for me. Nicely reviewed buddy.
I don’t mind CGI, but there was too much action which just didn’t stand out. I’m a huge action fan, but this hardly was exciting. Thanks!
Great review Nostra. Not the best superhero movie in recent memory, but a fine addition to the genre that’s either hit, or completely miss.
When it comes to superhero movie I must admit that I watch most of them, but hardly any are really memorable…the only one which stands out in my book are the Batman ones…
I enjoyed the young Clark section of the film but then this film just went off the rails. Pretty much as soon as Zod shows up it was just punching punching punching and more punching.
Agree about no chemistry between Supes and Lois. Hell there was more chemistry between Pa Kent and his dog.
Yeah, that part really built up on the character, searching for his identity. Hahaha, love your comment about Pa Kent and the dog…shame it is actually true! 😉
I’ll wait till it comes to cable. I love Supe, but I think the franchise may be a bit stretched thin. Perhaps one or two movies over the line.
It is another reboot, so there really isn’t much new things to it.
Nice review. I liked the performances, especially Costner’s, but the movie self-imploded on itself in the second half. The final fight scene was so big, long, and unnecessary. I looked online and (spoiler) found out the destruction of Metropolis would be the equivalent of a nuclear bomb.
Thanks. Costner’s character I really liked, a father figure who knows he can not answer all questions his “son” might have. Hahaha, I can believe it was that much devastation!
A 7 is a fair score for this film; personally, I enjoyed it a little more, but I’m glad you still found it worthwhile, in light of all the negative reviews this film has had. I just can’t wait to snag the Bluray and watch that last half at home at full volume!!!
I did not read any reviews of this at all, not before watching this and not after so I had no idea about the general consensus onit. You are really looking forward to it it seems! 🙂
Glad you enjoyed this Nostra! I think 7 is fair, I actually gave it 3.5 initially but on second viewing I upgraded it to 4/5 as I like it a bit more. Cavill did a smashing job as Kal El/Superman that’s for sure!
It is not a movie I am planning on rewatching any time soon, but had an enjoyable time with it.
DID NOT LIKE IT ONE BIT… That is all 🙂
Quick and simple Raghav 🙂 Won’t try to convince you otherwise 😉
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